During October and November, students at White Mountain Elementary in Ruidoso were involved in “The Musical Instrument STEAM Challenge.”

The term may be confusing, because many parents are familiar with STEM, a program that encourages the in-depth study of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in critical thinking, problem solving, communications, collaboration, innovation and creativity to achieve success and meet the challenges in today’s rapidly changing world.

The term STEAM was born, because advocates of the arts believed that the art spectrum should be included in the mix, as it offered further chances for students. STEAM programs add art to STEM curriculum by drawing on design principles and encouraging creative solutions.

“The arts are a great learning tool and can serve as an on-ramp to STEM for underrepresented students,” STEAM-advocate Ruth Catchen said. “Engaging students’ strengths using art activities increases motivation and the probability of STEM success.”

Throughout the unit, students explored instrument families before moving on to an introduction of the Physics of Sound and Music, exploring volume, pitch, sound waves, decibels and sonic booms, elementary music teacher Laura Bryant said.

“Through video technology and hands-on experimentation, students examined the properties of sound and explored opportunities that demonstrate the STEAM process,” she said. They also worked independently, with friends or family outside of class to create and design a working musical instrument to share with the school community. They were expected to explain whether the instrument was pitched or unpitched, and how the instrument produced sound vibration to change pitch and/or volume of the instrument.”

The grand prize was awarded tp Breana Gonzalez for a colorful drum set.

“My hope is that this unit will positively impact each child’s future with a deeper understanding of the these 21st Century skills, gained through the planning, experimentation, designing, revising and creation of the instrument,” Bryant said.

The musical creations of the other students were Thor’s hammer fire extinguisher by Jacob Light; electric guitar by Noel Gonzalez; Native American water drum by Ian Davis; sound box by Jayden Oldfield; drum set by Daniella Lucero; box banjo by Cassandra Hopkins; mini wind xylophone and toned box by Trinity Ramirez; tambourine by Taithed Carrera; flaming guitar by Walker Holley; Native American rain stick by Victoria Kennedy; drum set by Gabriel Salome; chimes and a metal shaker by Savannah and Mackenzie Graham and fairy drum by Izzy Bartley.

The students showed off the their instruments and the grand prize winner and top 14 finalists received their awards during a "Bingo for Books" family night at the school library in November.

The event was the first "Bingo for Books" hosted by the library and included Bingo and shopping at the Scholastic Book Fair. More than $150 of book fair gift certificates and books were donated for the event. The school Parent Advisory Committee, teachers and staff and the Sierra Blanca Book Shelf Project were thanks for their donations and time.